Gasperini Issues Transfer Plea

Coach Gian Piero Gasperini has again stated that Atalanta need to bring in more new signings if they are to enjoy a successful season. The Orobici followed up a fourth-placed finish in Serie A in 2016-17 with a seventh-placed finish last term and again secured a place in the Europa League.

And, despite the added burden of European games on top of the hectic domestic fixtures to cope with, Gasperini has endured a frustrating transfer window to date.

As a result, the 60-year-old, who took over in 2016 and guided the club to fourth spot in his first season, has warned that it will be difficult to keep the team in the upper reaches of Serie A if no reinforcements are forthcoming. Gasperini said: “The transfer campaign has unfortunately been very sad and very small.

“The squad is in difficult because of that. The club knows what is needed because I’ve said it constantly, they made an important budget available but a lot of youngsters have arrived who aren’t ready yet.

“The squad as it is can’t be expected to compete on several fronts. If the expectations are to repeat the two previous years, maybe it takes a better Coach….”